The broader storyline for this offseason is that the Toronto Maple Leafs might look at numbers in a different way, but the bottom line is that Nazem Kadri‘s next payday could be significantly healthier if he scores a bunch of goals in this coming contract year.

Kadri told Sportsnet how he expects to improve upon a 20-goal, 50-point output from 2013-14.

“I’ve really been working on my shot and my release, knowing a lot of NHL goalies can’t be beat without a quick release,” says Kadri. “The power doesn’t necessarily have to be there, but the release definitely does. I’m trying to score a few more goals and get more pucks on net.”

I like Nazem and I really hope he can find the consistency that’s lacking in his game. He just gave an Interview stating that his goal is to win the 1C role. I like that attitude, although with Bozak/Kessel seemingly joined at the hip and the chemistry he has with Lupul (until Lupul got hurt last year, Lupul never looked the same after) I’d be surprised if the two centers are flipped. And either way, sooner rather than later, William Nylander will be locked into that role. He is the real deal, this isn’t going to be a long-term “project” to get him to the NHL. If he does make the team all bets are off at center.

I have little doubt Kadri and Lupul can rebound. Hopefully that anchor Clarkson either plays to the very max of his abilities, or stays on the third line. One of the plethora of new forwards may fit in with them. Kadri does have a good shot and can definitely throw a few more on net. The whole team could, they were ranked 25th in SOG.

Long-term you have Nylander and Frederik Gauthier locks for 2 of the top 3. I don’t see any way Kadri gets a long term deal out of Nonis this go-around.

I know that some sites have Nylander listed as a center, but he has been playing right wing for a while now, and was playing right wing at the prospects game with Toninato as the center. If he makes the team this year, I wouldn’t be surprised to see him, Kadri, And Lupul as our second line. A line with that much skill would be a real threat, and would also be really fun to watch. Kadri has had 2 solid years with the Leafs now, and if he improves on last year’s numbers, then I really don’t see why they wouldn’t lock him up for at least 5 years, as he’s only going to get better as time goes on. Remember, he’s still only 23 years old…

Yeah, I just seen it listed on the Leafs’ site. Absolute first time I’ve seen/heard him listed as a RW. Nothing anywhere says he’s been playing wing for a while. I’ve only seen articles saying he’s split last year, which I assumed is when he went up to play with Michael. I definitely have to go over everything again. I do know we have a chit f***ing team if Kadri and Bozak are our top 2 centers. Complete joke.